North Carolina Zoo welcomes applicants for the position of Associate Curator of Research

Primary Purpose of the Position:
The North Carolina Zoo seeks a dynamic, motivated and progressive individual to oversee zoo-based research activities as part of the Conservation, Education and Science Department. The position has responsibility for coordinating zoo animal welfare research and monitoring, conducting original research at the zoo, for coordinating and tracking the work of outside researchers, overseeing the zoo's Research Committee, administering the zoo's research internship program in collaboration with North Carolina State University, working with undergraduate and graduate students, and for communicating the NC Zoo's research work both internally and to a wide range of external audiences. Research at the zoo requires partnering with staff from across the institution on topics including (but not limited to) animal welfare, evaluation of behavioral enrichment, visitor studies, effectiveness of marketing strategies, evaluation of education programs, and others. The Associate Curator of Research works closely with the Curator of Conservation and Research to ensure that research conducted at the zoo meets accepted scientific standards and that research outcomes can inform zoo operations and support the zoo's mission. The position also works closely with the zoo's Curator of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Management to develop a comprehensive, science-based program to assess and adaptively improve animal management. The position is responsible for fundraising to support research at the zoo (both through grant applications and working with the North Carolina Zoological Society), broadly communicating findings both internally and externally through written articles, social media, and outreach, and assisting with education programming related to research. The position requires regular contact with other sections of the zoo, the Zoological Society, research staff at other zoos, and students and researchers from universities.  Work is performed with considerable independence under the general guidance of the Curator of Conservation and Research. Position mostly requires weekday work with some weekend and holiday work as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:

**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**  The position calls for training, knowledge, and expertise in scientific research with a strong background in animal welfare, and knowledge of visitor studies and/or education evaluation. Qualified candidate must possess:  Considerable working experience in the design and implementation of scientific research on the topics of animal welfare, animal behavior and other associated areas, including statistical analysis, ideally in a zoo or related setting.  Must demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of wildlife sciences, animal welfare, animal behavior or comparative psychology, enrichment, animal husbandry, conservation, and data management.  Must be flexible and comfortable working on several tasks at once, both independently and with colleagues. It is essential the applicant be capable of conducting research and supervising college students with a high level of independence. Working experience with visitor studies and education evaluation is an asset. A high level of proficiency in oral and written communication is required. Full knowledge and demonstrated skills with scientific and popular writing is required. Ability to direct, manage and evaluate the work of graduate and undergraduate students. Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies, both within and outside the institution. Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Must be able to establish and maintain positive collaborative working relationships with university partners, peers, support staff, volunteers, students, and the public. Must be able to converse and present lectures on topics in areas of expertise to the public and professionally, including strong public speaking skills; ability to travel on zoo business and work flexible hours including occasional weekends.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a science curriculum related to the area of expertise and two years of experience in specialty area; a master's degree in natural science area may be substituted for experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Management Prefers -  ****Experience within a zoo setting is highly preferred. ****PhD in biological science or relevant field is strongly preferred. ****Experience with social science research and education is preferred. Job Post closes October 11 at 5 PM EST.

 
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Cover letter and CV should be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted for qualifying credit. 
 

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/index.html NOTE: Apply to the department listed on posting An Equal Opportunity Employer, NC State Government noreply@nc.gov Position #19-09761 ZOO60033423 NATURAL SCIENCE RESEARCH CURATOR I EM